Asia Motor Works (AMW) displayed its latest range of military vehicles, named the ‘AMW Defence’, at the Defence Expo 2012. The 7th International Land and Naval Systems Exhibition, also called the Defence Expo, commenced on 29th March 2012 at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi and will go on till 1st April 2012.
The ‘AMW Defence’ range of the third largest heavy commercial vehicle manufacturing company in India includes the 4X4 General Service/Logistics Truck that offers greater mobility over difficult terrain. This truck is available in varied engine options, ranging from 180 bhp to 270 bhp and has a permanent all-wheel drive system for improved traction. Furthermore, the truck has an air-conditioned tilt-able cabin for better comfort.
The Firefighting Truck, also showcased by the manufacturer, is at par with the stringent defence specifications. Available with engines ranging from 180 bhp to 270 bhp, the truck has been designed to fight any kind of fire accident at vital installations. Besides, the 6X4 Heavy Duty Recovery Vehicle displayed at the expo will also be available in the 6X6 configuration. This vehicle has been designed to provide state-of-the-art hydraulic recovery solution to the Armed Forces. The highlights of the vehicle are an under-lift and move operation as well as lighter mounted equipment with high lift capacity and a 210 degree rotation for ease of recovery in challenging terrain.
The team that developed this range is headed by John Begg, who has extensive experience in developing military vehicles. He has developed military vehicles, including logistics and armoured vehicles, both in Europe and Asia. Developed over a period of two years, the ‘AMW Defence’ range will be manufactured at the fully integrated Bhuj plant of the company. The Bhuj plant has the requisite infrastructure needed to develop military vehicles, including amenities for manufacturing, testing and prototyping of customised vehicle applications. It has the annual planned capacity of 50,000 commercial vehicles and employs over 1,200 people.
With its products and wide service network, the company has improved its position in the competitive market, since 2008 when it rolled out trucks. The company has an extensive and growing dealership and service network, with 113 dealers and more than 1,500 touch points. The widespread network includes sales and service centres, authorised service outlets, mobile vans and workshops. The company has round-the-clock helpline, known as the AMW Seva, to ensure quick response to the needs of the customers.
The company has carved a distinct position for itself in the domestic transportation sector with the aid of its innovative engineering and customer orientation. The company that has pioneered several segments in the Indian CV market offers a range of trucks, weighing between 16 and 49 tons. At the time of its launch, the AMW 49 ton model that created the segment was the largest tractor trailer in India. Furthermore, the AMW range of tippers shaped the construction and mining segments of the CV market of India. In January 2008, AMW won the ‘Truck of the Year’ award by NDTV. Furthermore, the AMW 3123 model earned the prestigious ‘CV Innovation of the Year 2009-10’ award. Its Tranztar brand of fully built vehicles was bestowed with the ‘Truck Application Builder of the Year- 2010’ award.
AMW is presently an integral fraction of the largest infrastructure and construction projects of India, including the Golden Quadrilateral. Moreover, it is the fastest growing truck brand in the country, boasting over 100% annual volume growth for the past three years. The company also has a strong foothold in the Tipper segment, which is growing at a fast pace. Delivering optimum performance under arduous road and load conditions, the AMW vehicles have become the foremost choice in the mining, construction and infrastructure sectors.
The company has entered the domestic military trucks market given the increasing demand for defence vehicles in India. It is willing to participate in the varied programs for the Indian Defence Forces. The Indian Army, which is the third largest in the world, boasts of a fleet of more than 150,000 vehicles and purchases about 7,000 new trucks annually.
